They’ve got so much snow now at Hart Ski Hill they have no choice but to crank up the motors on those lifts and open up for the season.
Saturday is definitely going to be a snow day for skiers and snowboarders who have waited since April to let it rip on the slopes.
“The last few weeks we’ve had solid 24/7 making snow, so we are ready to open and this will be the earliest opening we’ve had in 10 years,” said Hart Highlands Winter Club general manager Jess Koppe.
Now entering its 53rd season, the 22-acre ski hill first added snowmaking capability in 2017 and that was bolstered this year with addition of a second gun, obtained through a $20,000 grant from Northern Development Initiative Trust. They fired up both guns at the start of November and have been making snow ever since.
Koppe is hoping for another record-setting season. Last year, aided by snowmaking, the Hart hill was open 102 days, breaking the old record of 101 days, set last year.
“We’re always shooting for those extra days,” said Koppe. “In the previous years we were only doing it with one gun.”
Operated by the not-for-profit club at 3740 Winslow Rd., the ski hill will be open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, then will close until Saturday, Dec. 17. From that point on the lifts will be running every day except Christmas Day, open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
School groups will converge on the hill starting the second week of January and that will extend the operating hours on weekdays from 9 a.m-9 p.m. Weekends will remain 9-4.
Day lift passes cost $21 (kids six-12), $27 (13-18), $29 (students) or $31 (adults) or $94 (family from same household)with half-day passes available at reduced rates. Season passes range in price from $259 (kids six-12) to $309 (adult) and a family season pass costs $699.
Rental equipment is available at the lodge and the club offers Nancy Greene ski/snowboard lessons.
Kids are invited to Skiing With Santa on Friday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the big guy in the red and white suit will be there handing out candy.
Other big events on the calendar is the big air competition on Jan. 21 and a rail jam event on Feb. 11. Retro Day is March 5 and if you wear a costume you will be eligible to win a season’s pass.
For more information go to the website.
